Dar Al-Masyaf
Set amidst the canals of madinat jumeirah, the rooms in these villas, set around their own leafy central courtyards, can be booked individually or, if you have a large group, they can take up the entire two-story house. Built in the same ancient Arabian style as the rest of the resort, these are elegant and understated and popular with large Gulf families who prefer to stay away from prying eyes. Each has its own butler, who is available in the common room should you need help (or from 6-8pm daily, should you need a complimentary gin and tonic). Rooms are larger and more luxurious than those at neighboring Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr hotels: at least 60 square meters (nearly 646 square feet), each has at least one large terrace (some open directly onto the lawn, others that have sea or canal views) and can comfortably sleep a family of four. The facilities are the same as described for Al Qasr, but they are closer to the sea and also share their own dedicated pools.
Madinat Jumeirah, PO Box 75157;
Phone: 04-366-8888; 04-366-7788;
Cost AED3,900
Rental Jumeirah
Number of rooms 254 rooms, plus 29 suites
Room m2 60-130
Conference facilities Yes
Pool/sauna Yes
Beach access Yes
Exercise facilities Yes
Yes
Parking/Valet Yes
Licensed bar Yes
On-Site Restaurants International
Additional services Internet; private butler; drinks from 6 to 8 pm daily on a private patio; tea and coffee facilities; dates, fruit and chocolate in the rooms
Business Services Business Center in Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam
Shuttle buses to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams
Wheelchair facilities Yes
Crowne Plaza Festival City
This five-star is popular with people spending just a night or two in Dubai: it’s literally five minutes from the airport and right next to the Festival Center (and a giant Ikea, though obviously the flat-pack merchant is less of a tourist draw). ). The parent company also recently took over what was formerly the Four Seasons golf club, renaming it Al Badia, so an 18-hole championship course is just three minutes away. The hotel is connected via a walkway to the more luxurious neighboring InterContinental hotel, so you also benefit from access to restaurants and a spa.
Standard Rooms are smaller than most Dubai five-star hotels and are quite masculine, with dark wood, faux-fur headboards, and cream-colored carpets. However, the beds are big and comfortable, and the bathrooms have the ubiquitous slide-back screen so you can watch your flat-screen TV from the bathroom. There’s an outdoor baby pool, but no kids’ club, though the mall’s cinema, bowling alley, arcade, abra rides, and during the warmer months, the outdoor amusement park should keep the little ones happy.
Dining options here are limited to a great Belgian-themed pub and a fairly everyday Arabic/international restaurant. It’s worth specifying that you’d like a view of Dubai Creek from your room so you don’t see a roundabout every time you open the curtains. You can avoid paying AED 140 per day for an internet connection by shelling out around 50% extra for a larger Executive Club room; this will also give you breakfast, access to the Club Lounge, free drinks from 6-8pm and airport transfers.
Dubai Festival City, PO Box 45777;
Phone: 04-701-2222; 04-232-9097;
Cost AED950
Rent Deira
Number of rooms 298 rooms, plus 18 suites
Room m2 34-124
Conference facilities Yes
Pool/sauna Yes
Beach access Yes
Exercise facilities Yes
Spa At the adjoining InterContinental Hotel
Parking/Valet Yes
Licensed bar Yes
On-site dining Arabic/International, Belgian, Cafe
Additional services Self-service laundry, iron and ironing board, scale, coffee maker, kettle
Business services Desks, secretarial services, 24-hour business center, laptops and mobile phones for rent
Shuttle buses to Dubai International Airport, Al Badia Golf Club, Jumeirah Beach Park, Mall of the Emirates
Wheelchair facilities Yes
